A massive blaze tore through the Gamdevi market complex near Thane railway station in Maharashtra in the early hours of Thursday, resulting in the deaths of a fireman and a security guard, while two other fire personnel sustained injuries, officials confirmed. The fire, which escalated rapidly at around 3:45 am, prompted a 'brigade call' as it engulfed multiple vegetable and clothing stalls in the busy market area, an official stated.
Casualties and Response
Additional Commissioner of Police Prashant Rode confirmed that a fireman and a security guard lost their lives in the incident. Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) chief Yasin Tadvi reported that two additional fire personnel were injured during the firefighting operation. Tadvi described it as a 'major fire' that destroyed the market, which housed numerous clothing stalls, vegetable and fruit markets, and a local municipal ward office.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as massive flames and thick smoke billowed from the complex. 'The fire broke out in the small hours of Thursday, and firefighting operations are actively underway. All available fire engines from across the city and the RDMC team have been pressed into service to bring the blaze under control,' officials said.
Challenges and Investigation
Firefighters faced significant challenges in containing the inferno due to large quantities of highly combustible garments stored inside the stalls. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, officials added. The incident highlights the risks faced by emergency responders and the need for stringent fire safety measures in crowded market areas.
